Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Deep wound and/or abscess

Container/Tube: Swab transport- ESwab(white cap) or fluid in sterile container

Specimen Volume: Swabs

Collection Instructions:

1. Prepare site: wash uninvolved skin or mucous membrane well with normal saline.
2. Use swabs to obtain specimen.

3. Return swabs to sterile culture transport tubes.

4. Label tube with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

5. See Swab Collection and Transport Guide in Special Instructions for additional information.

Additional Information:

1. This specimen source is routinely cultured for anaerobes.

2. Specimen source is required.